Reply #70: I agree about JFK [View All]

[OhioBlue]

I wasn't yet born, but he was inspirational. I think he is the main factor that cemented many of my Irish-Catholic relatives as Democrats. Without JFK, I don't think LBJ's great society programs would have passed. (Plus LBJ may have never even become President). He set a vision for the Country.

Just my opinion - I think Clinton has/had the magic of a JFK - maybe not quite to that extent, but different times, different outcomes. Clinton had to deal with the Reaganism and JFK was able to ride the New Deal. Again - I wasn't yet born, but it also seems that people were more respectful of the President in JFK's time.

I definitely think Obama has the magic - the situation in which he Governs seems even worse - being handed 2 wars, a huge deficit, the worst economy since the great Depression and dealing with a Country that is perhaps more polarized than it has been in a century. He also has to deal with the 24 hour news cycle, the RW echo chamber, the internet, etc.

I think the circumstances and obstacles are unique for each and it would be hard to only compare their legislative victories. I can understand your rankings for the last 50 years and agree that we will have to wait until Obama's Presidency is complete before the Historians can truly evaluate his "greatness". Personally, I would put him ahead of Clinton at this point but we have to see how the next 6 years go. I don't expect the next 2 to be progressively spectacular. My guess is that it will be highly pragmatic and focused on the deficit and economy. But, I also think that he can win big in 2012, have some coattails and then the next 4 will be bold and exciting.